Back to basics

It's great outdoors

Having dedicated years to spinal health, Li says that his understanding of the subject has steadily grown and accumulated.

With increasing responsibilities, his schedule has become busier. In addition to his hospital duties and supervising students, he travels nationwide to give lectures and conduct research. His speaking pace matches his bustling daily agenda.

Last year, Li took on a new role, that of a member of the National Committee of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and feels the weight of that responsibility.

For two consecutive years, his proposals have been related to the spinal health of adolescents. This year, his suggestion to extend recess between classes at elementary schools from 10 minutes to half an hour sparked discussion on social media.

During his research, Li found that although the overall physical fitness of Chinese children and adolescents has improved in recent years, issues such as obesity, myopia, spinal curvature and psychological disorders still persist. One significant factor contributing to these problems is the prolonged sedentary behavior and lack of exposure to sunlight among children.

Li explains that research indicates children who engage in outdoor activities for two hours a day in the sunlight can significantly improve their vision. Exposure to sunlight allows children to release pent-up negative energy accumulated from prolonged indoor confinement, leading to a more positive mindset.

Li's proposal has gained significant support from other political advisers. Olympic table tennis champion Wang Liqin, a member of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, also suggested extending outdoor break times.

"Even though children have more exercise time now compared to the past, there's still a gap to reach the recommended 1.5 hours of daily outdoor activity," Wang says. In his proposal, he wrote that he hopes to extend break times to encourage children to leave the classroom and spend time outdoors after class.

Working with the national team has taught Li the crucial importance of sports for both physical and mental well-being. "Sport is the best teacher of resilience and success," he says.

"I think we should encourage children to stay physically and mentally healthy through aerobic exercise and outdoor activities."